NRL Round 14 Preview - Raiders v Panthers @ GIO Stadium

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers @ GIO Stadium
 
Preview - The Raiders will be looking for back-to-back home wins when they take on the table-topping Panthers at GIO Stadium on Friday night. The Raiders kept their season alive with a last gasp 21-20 victory over the Sea Eagles in Round 12 to get to 5-7, but remain two games outside the Top 8 entering the second half of the season. The Panthers surged to the top of the table with a stunning 28-2 demolition of the Dragons at Pepper Stadium. 
 
Canberra Raiders’ Scouting Report - Ricky Stuart has named the same 17 that came from behind against Manly in Round 12.  Josh Papalii moves to lock, with Sia Soliola shifting back to the back row. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The Panthers have named Nathan Cleary, James Maloney, Tyrone Peachey and Reagan Campbell-Gillard to back up from Origin, just two days after the opener at the MCG. Hooker Peter Wallace (shoulder) is still not back. The only change from their Round 12 win against the Dragons is Kaide Ellis replacing the suspended Jack Hetherington on the bench.
 
Verdict - Raiders by 1-6 in a high scoring game  This is a real trap game for Penrith with players on the back up from Origin just 48 hours after Game 1 in Melbourne. It won’t be easy to carry those bumps and bruises into chilly Canberra against a desperate side. I will take the home side in an upset, given they will be desperate and they have the advantage of having no Origin players and a full two weeks to prepare for this game. Expecting a high scoring and entertaining game of football which is close throughout.